Most recoveries include some pain, bruising and swelling. Warning signs are distinguished by severity, progression, associated symptoms and a change from the expected trend. Early review is safer than waiting when symptoms could represent infection, circulation compromise, wound problems or venous thromboembolism.
Pain that is severe, escalating or not responding to the prescribed plan.
A dressing that feels increasingly tight with marked toe swelling or altered colour.
Spreading redness, increasing heat, pus, malodour, wound separation or fever.
New calf pain, tenderness or one-sided calf swelling.
Chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing blood, collapse or unexplained rapid heart rate.
Persistent numbness after the expected anaesthetic duration, especially with colour or temperature change.
A fall, direct impact or unplanned full loading followed by new deformity or severe pain.
Who should I contact?
Use the postoperative contact instructions supplied by the surgical team. For chest pain, sudden breathlessness, collapse or other potentially life-threatening symptoms, call emergency services rather than waiting for a routine clinic response.